The Phillies are reshaping their bullpen - and they’re doing it with intent.
In a series of moves that signal a clear desire to upgrade a relief corps that struggled in 2025, Philadelphia has added some new arms and said goodbye to a familiar face. It started with the signing of right-hander Brad Keller to a two-year deal.
Not long after, the Phillies dealt veteran lefty Matt Strahm to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for right-hander Jonathan Bowlan. Then, just hours later, they shipped minor league outfielder Avery Owusu-Asiedu to the Arizona Diamondbacks for left-handed sidearmer Kyle Backhus.
That’s three bullpen-related transactions in the span of a few days - and it might not be the last.
Let’s unpack what all this means.
Strahm Out, Bowlan In: A Financial and Strategic Shift
The biggest headline here is the departure of Matt Strahm. The lefty had been a reliable piece for the Phillies since arriving in 2023, even earning an All-Star nod in 2024. Over his three seasons in Philly, he posted a rock-solid 2.71 ERA and was often one of the more trusted arms in high-leverage spots.
So why move on from him?
It likely comes down to dollars and control. Strahm was set to earn $7.5 million in 2026 - a reasonable figure for a proven lefty, but not insignificant for a team looking to retool.
In return, the Phillies get Jonathan Bowlan, a right-hander who had a respectable 2025 season out of Kansas City’s bullpen and is under club control through 2031. That’s six more years of a cost-controlled arm who’s still developing.
Bowlan isn’t a household name, but he’s got tools. He’s shown flashes of swing-and-miss stuff and could grow into a bigger role with the Phillies. It’s a bet on upside and financial flexibility - one that only pays off if Bowlan continues trending in the right direction.
A Sidearm Option in Kyle Backhus
The Phillies didn’t stop there. They also acquired lefty Kyle Backhus from the Diamondbacks, giving them a different look from the left side. Backhus is a sidearmer - and while he doesn’t have a big-league track record yet, his delivery could offer a unique wrinkle in a bullpen that lacked variety last season.
Backhus is still a bit of a wild card, but Philly clearly sees potential. His unorthodox mechanics could make him a tough matchup, especially against left-handed hitters. Don’t be surprised if he gets a shot to carve out a situational role in the middle innings.
Brad Keller Adds Depth
Then there’s Brad Keller, who signed a two-year deal earlier in the week. Keller has bounced between starting and relieving throughout his career, but he’s expected to slot into the bullpen mix in Philadelphia. He brings experience and innings - two things the Phillies desperately needed after a 2025 season where the bullpen was inconsistent and overworked.
Keller may not be a late-inning weapon, but he’s a stabilizer. Someone who can eat innings, keep the ball on the ground, and give the team a chance to win. That matters, especially over a 162-game grind.
Is Pete Fairbanks Next?
There’s still one name looming over all these moves: Pete Fairbanks.
The hard-throwing right-hander is one of the top relievers still available in free agency, and the Phillies have been linked to him before. With Strahm’s salary off the books and some flexibility regained, it wouldn’t be surprising if Philadelphia makes a serious push for Fairbanks.
And if they do? That’s a game-changer.
Fairbanks has been a late-inning force for the Rays since arriving in 2019. Over the last three seasons, he’s been one of the most reliable high-leverage arms in baseball, posting a sub-3.00 ERA in two of those years and racking up 75 saves since 2023. In 2025, he delivered a 2.83 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 59 strikeouts, and 27 saves across 60 1/3 innings.
He’s not just a closer - he’s a tone-setter. A guy who brings edge, velocity, and postseason experience. If the Phillies land him, their bullpen - which was a clear liability in 2025 - could suddenly become one of the team's strengths.
The Bigger Picture
The Phillies aren’t just tinkering around the edges here. These moves suggest a front office that knows its window is open and is trying to maximize every piece of the roster.
The bullpen let them down too often last season. That’s not something you can afford if you’re chasing a championship.
By adding Keller, bringing in Bowlan and Backhus, and potentially eyeing Fairbanks, the Phillies are attacking a weakness head-on. It’s a calculated shift - one that trades a bit of certainty (Strahm) for upside, depth, and financial room to maneuver.
Time will tell how these pieces fit together. But one thing’s clear: the Phillies aren’t standing pat. And if a few of these arms hit, we could be looking at a very different bullpen come Opening Day 2026.